The Shirley Association
has been a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies since
1988

Welcome
to the Shirley Association

The Shirley Association is a
worldwide family organization designed to preserve the Shirley
heritage for future generations, to unite Shirley descendants
of each Shirley family branch, and to provide assistance to Shirley
Association members as they search for their Shirley roots. Welcome Message

Shirley
Families of Jamaica, West IndiesA published family history of the
descendants of Henry Shirley, esq. of Hyde Hall, Jamaica W.I.
Almost 500 pages. Many descendants live today in Jamaica and
USA. Order
your copy today! $29.95 + s/h

EXCITING HOLLYWOOD
MOVIE ABOUT DON SHIRLEY, PIANIST! There is a new major film "Green Book"
released this week about Don Shirley, of
this Jamaican-Floridian family

October 11, 2018

Kilkenny Ireland Breakthrough - I posted the following to the Co.
Wexford Ireland page in the members' section. Historian E.P.
Shirley investiaged the Kilkenny Shirleys in the mid-1800s. He
was told by authoritative local sources at that time that the
family originated in Co Wexford. Clearly, here they are, prior
to their tenure in Kilkenny

Wexford

[Before 1749] Shapland Carew
Papers - Part 1 - Rentals - Items 13 & 13a. County of Wexford.
Toumbrick containing 528a. 2r. 2op. and Coolegarrow containing
160a. 2r. op. set to Paul Shirley for the lives of said Paul
Shirley, John and Thomas Shirley sons of the said Paul and afterwards
for 21 years at £90 per annum. [No details of payments
and in their place the following statement "25th March 1749.
I released Paul Shirley from a great arrear of Rent in consideration
whereof he surrendered his lease and I set the Lands in parcels
to the under tenants as post folios 65, 66, 67 etc.].

The following are Shapland
Carew re-leasing the Shirley lands directly to the undertenants

65 & 65 a. Toumbrick part
containing 76 acres set by Paul Shirley to David Carty
for 21 years from 25th March
1744 at £13 per annum. [Details of payments 1745 to 1758.]

67 & 67a, 68 & 68a. Toumbrick
part containing 63a. 2r. op. set by Paul Shirley to Daniel
Magher for 22 years from 25th March 1743 at 4/-* per acre
for the first year, 4/3 for the next Seven years and 4/6 for
the last fourteen years. [Payments 1744 to March 1754 including
allowance in 1748 of £5 3s. od. for 44 63 perch of Ditch
 and in 1753 of £1 15s. od. for  Trespass done
to him when the Woods were cut down/']

73 & 73a. Toumbrick part
containing 7a. 3r. op. set by Paul Shirley to Phelim Murphy
at 5/- per acre for the first 10 years and 6/- per acre the Remainder
of the Term of 21 years from 25th March 1744. [Details of payments
1744 to March 1758 first at £1 18s. gd. and then at £1
3s. od. per year.]

74 & 74a. Toumbrick part
containing 26 acres set by Paul Shirley to Patrick Gormly
for 18 years from 25th March 1747 at £3 15s. od. per annum.
[Two payments of £1 12s. 6d. each recorded in 1758.]

76 & 76a. Toumbrick part
containing 10 acres set by Paul Shirley to John Harris
for 16 years from 25th March 1748 at £2 10s. od. per annum.
[Payments 1748 to 1758 including allowances1750 
He paid by making 22 perches of Ditch £1 2s. od.
1753  He paid by 30 perch of Ditch £1 4s. od..
1755  allowed him for 32 Barrels of Lime which was due
from Shirley £1 9s. 4d. 4  He paid by Seven
days Work at the Wood 3/6.]

80 & 80a, 81 & 81a. Coolegarrow
containing 160 acres 2 roods set by Paul Shirley to Lewis
Moore and partners for 21 years from 25th March 1744 at £10
per annum for the first seven years, £10 10s. od. for the
second seven years and £11 for ye last seven years, they
are to lay out 60 Barrels of Lime every year.

I found the Lease in the Dublin
deed registry. Here is my abstract

1742 Dublin Deed Registry Vol
104 page 514 - 3 June 1742 Shapland Carew to Paul Shirley
- Shapland Carew of Woodstowne in Co Waterford esq demised
unto Paul Shirley of Ballykeal in Co Wexford farmer town and
lands of Toumbrick and Coolegarrow then late in the possession
of Mr Walter Devereux situated in the Barony of Scarwalsh
and Co Wexford [excepting woods, minerals, etc] to hold unto
the said Paul Shirley from the Twenty Fifth day of March then
last past during the natural lives of the said Paul Shirley
and Jno Shirley and Thomas Shirley sons of the said Paul Shirley
and the survivor and survivor of them from of immediately
after the decease of the survivor fo them to Hold sd premises
for 21 years at yearly rent of L90. Said indenture of Lease is
witnessed by Robert Wiley servant to the sd Shapland Carew and
Arthur Shepheard of the City of Dublin Publ Not. Memorial witnessed
by sd Shepheard and Jno Gaddiz of same city cordwainer. Paul
Shirley <seal> Registered 4 June 1742.

October 9, 2018

More Kilkenny
deeds from the Registry in Dublin abstracted or transcribed and
posted to the members' section

Kilkenny Ireland

Feb 21 1809. Registry of Deeds
Vol
610 page 372 - Lands of Closcregg - John Shirley to Robert
Pendergast and James Walsh - Deed of Lease between John
Shirley of Croan esq of 1st part and Robert Prendergast and
James Walsh of Rappagh Kilkenny farmers of the other part. 100
acres of Lands of Cloghoeregg in possession of Lannigan and partners.
Wit: Thomas Loughlan of Clogheregg and John Walsh esq of the
City of Kilkenny. Sworn 17 Apr 1810. New -
Registry of Deeds Dublin

Apr 30 1810 Registry of Deeds
Vol 623 page 81 - Lands of Sheepstown - John Shirley
of Croan to Eleanor Devereux widow of City of Kilkenny, owing
to a decree in the Equity side of the court of Exchequer dated
10 Feb 1809 of the sum L206.19.6 granted part of the lands of
Sheepstown late in the possession of Henry Reade dec'd and formerly
in tenancy of William and Anne Bryan by estimation 20 acres,
Barony of Knocktopher to hold from the date 1 Nov 1786 for 999
years. Witnessed by: H Nixon and Andrew [ ] Gernery of City of
Dublin and Henry Devereux of City of Kilkeny gent and as to execution
thereof by the said John Shirley are witnessed by John Walsh
of the City of Kilkenny gent. Registered 11 Nov 1810

Sept 7 1811. Vol
672 page 121 (page
122) Between Paul Shirley of Croan, Kilkenny gent of
1st part and Richard Reade of Waterford and Naomi Reade otherwise
Shirley late widow of John Shirley esq dec'd and now wife of
said Richard Reade of 2nd part. Henry Loftus Reade of Wexford
and John Nugent of Sheepstown of 3rd part. Paul Sherley
confirms unto the said Henry Loftus Reade and John Nugent land
of Sheepstown Gerranaman and Croan part of town and lands of
Ballynacooly, town and lands of Belopenegg. Sworn 4 Oct 1811.
- Registry of Deeds Dublin

1813 Vol
671 page 18John Shirley To Walsh - Memorial dated
15 September 1813 between John Shirly of Croan gent only son
and heir at law and special occupant of Paul Shirley late of
Croan gent dec'd of one part and John Walsh of City of Kilkenny
esq of other part. Reciting that the sd Paul Shirley was
in his life time and at time of his death seized among others
of all that town and land of Old Croan in Barony of Knocktopher
65 acres for the life of Ann Fitzgerald of Walken Street
City of Kilkenny widow, yearly rent of L37.6 and sd Paul Shirley
being so seized died Intestate leaving said John Shirley party
hereto his only son and heir at law who upon his father's death
became seized and possessed of said Land and said Jas (sic) Shirley
obtained Letters of administration out of Court of Perogative
in Ireland of goods setforth of the sd deed that the sd John
Shirley possessed himself, also Reciting that the sd Paul Shirley
by Ind' of Release dated 30 Sept 1811 did demise lands to Edward
Power of Bishopshall esq for the life of said Ann Fitgerald for
rent of L3.5...Reciting that the sd Paul Shirley at the time
of his death stood justly and fairly indebted unto said John
Walsh in sum of L730 stg o his the sd Paul Shirley's own separate
and distinct account and sd John Shirley having proposed to sell
and dispose of his estate right title and interest in the said
Lands unto the sd John Walsh for a sum of L480 stg and to
allow him credit in the said purchase money for the sum of L480
stg and to secure him in the balance of the debt so due and owing
by the sd father as aforesaid and also Reciting that the said
John Shirley in consideration of the sd John Walsh he having
discharged by written receipt the sd John Shirley as Administrator
of the said Paul....the sd John Shirley for himself hath granted
to said John Walsh town and lands of Old Croan 65 acres....Wit
Michael Murphy of City of Kilkenny gent, Nicholas Devereux of
City of Kilkenny gent - Registry of Deeds Dublin

1813 Vol
671 page 18John Shirley To Devereux - Memorial dated
11 Decr 1813 between John Shirly of Croan gent only son and
heir at law and special occupant of Paul Shirley late of Croan
gent dec'd of one part and Mrs Elinor Devereux of City of Kilkenny
of other part. Sd John Shirley L200 sell unto Elinor Devereux
all those the yearly chief or headrent of L20.2.6 payable by
the sd Elinor Devereux of all those the lands of Sheepstown situate
in Barony of Knocktopher in the possession of sd Elinor Devereux
devised to her by John Shirley late of Croan gent dec'd by
Indent' of lease dated the 30 April 1810 for 999 years. Sd
John Shirley executed a lease of sd premises with sd Devereux
for ever at a pepper corn annual rent....[in case of problems]
resort to the lands of Sheepstown or the lands of Belmount
now in the possession of said John Shirley or to any lands now
in possession of Mrs John Shirley. Wit Michael Murphy of
City of Kilkenny, writing clerk, David Fennell of sd City shopkeeper
- Registry of Deeds Dublin

1813 Vol
692 page 82 Mem # 475228 John Shirley To Butler -
Registered 26 July 1815 - To the Register aforsd by act of parlm't
for registering deeds - wills of articles of agreement bearing
date the 4 day of December 1813 made between John Shirley
of Croan in the co of Kilkenny gentleman of the one pt and Edmd
Butler of Castle Cronfile in the sd Co. gentleman of the other
prs. Whereby after recit'g that sd John Shirley having
occasion to borrow the sum of L200 got the said Edm Butler
to join him in a bond to secure the repaym't thereof having in
[consideration] of which and in order to indemnify sd Edmd Butler
for the same he sd John Shirley for himself and his heirs
had agreed to convey unto sd Edmd Butler his heirs and assigns
all that and those the town and lands of Belmount in the Co of
Kilkenny being 400 a[cres] or therebts for the purpose of indemnifying
him the sd Edmd Butler his heirs and assigns in case they
shoudl be called or obliged to pay the said sum of L200 with
interest for the same etc. John Shirley had also agreed to
give grant and settle on Catherine Shirly widow of Paul Shirly
late of Croan afsd one annuity of L50 to be payable out of the
said lands of Bellmount by half yearly payments on every 20 Sept
and 25 March for the term of her life and sd John Shirly had
furhher agreed to settle on Ellen Shirly his sister and daughter
of the sd Catherine Shirly and [ ] one annuilty of L50 payable
out of the lands of Belmount afsd half yearly on every five
Nov and five May and in case sd Ellen should marry and have issue
[ ] said annuity should go to such issue in such shares as she
should [ ] said respective sums of L50 in no [ ] to be payable
but in the event of said John Shirley his heirs or assigns
succeeding to his uncles property or parts thereof for which
he was then at law [suggests John Shirley is nephew of
Edmd Butler?] which said deed is witnessed by Thos Corcoran
of the City of Kilkenny gentleman and Michl Murphy of the said
City writing clerk and Mr Willoughbey of Mayo in the [ ] Co farmer...Edmnd
Butler <seal> [oath of witnesses] this 22 day of July 1815
etc. - Registry of Deeds Dublin

15 August 1822. Vol
808 page 454 Richard Reade Esq and Naomi Reade otherwise
Shirley wife, of Cottage Co Tipperary, Thomas Shirley
of Garrynaman, Paul Shirley of Cloghscregg gent both
of the co of Kilkenny and John Shirley of the City of Killkenny
of the one part and John Walsh of the City of Kilkenny aforesaid
esq of the 2nd part. [Grantors named again] released unto the
said John Walsh all right title interest claim to the town and
lands of Corrabelly containing 187 acres also lands of Ballinacole
or Ballinacooly containing 117 acres situate in the Barony of
Knocktopher formerly belonging to Robert Walsh esq but have for
some time past in the actual possession of the said John Walsh
by deed...Rents etc that theretofore belonged to John Shirley
late of Croan deceased. Wit Martin Slathery of City of Kilkenny
writing clerk, Thomas Wilson of Carrick on Siur in co Tipperary.
Paul Shirley <seal> John Walsh <seal> Registerd 29
November 1825.(2 Feb 1827 Vol
820 page 593, lease to Walsh)

1828 July 7 Registry of Deeds
Vol
836 page 402 Richard Reade Esq and Naomi Reade otherwise
Shirley wife, of Cottage Co Tipperary 1st part, Thomas
Shirley of Garrynaman in Co Kilkenny gent 2nd part, Paul
Shirley of Closgreg gent son of John Shirley deceasedof 3rd part. Much litigation has taken place touching
the Last Will and Testament of said John Shirly dec'd and
of property which sd John Shirley died seized and possessed.
Parties agree litigation should end, and agree as follows. Richard
Reade to occupy lands of Sheepstown, the house and demesne of
Croan 109 acres in Co Kilkeeny for remainder of term of lease
held by John Shirley deceased, to hold the same under any
lease made to John Shirley, the father of said John Shirley.
Agree that Thomas Shirleyshall possess land of Garrynaman
210 acresfor all such term as the said John Shirley was entitled
to hold subject to the payment by Thomas of the rent for all
such term as said John Shirley was entitled to him. Agree
that Paul Shirley shall possess town lands of Kilmanouge,
the town and lands of Old Croan and town and lands of Garrendonagh,
Co Kilkenny for all such time and terms as the said John Shirley
held. To insure John Braithwaite of Sheepstown gent for insurance
policy to bond Richard Reade. Wit: Michael Phelan of Sheepstown,
Richard Naddy of Garrynaman.Registerd 7 July 1828

1834 Registry of Deeds Vol
18 page 278 (278b)
Garrynaman Barony of Kells - Earl of Kilkenny to Thomas Shirley
- Dated 28 April 1834, that by indenture of lease and release
of 21 and 27 August 1783 Viscount MountGarrett the father
of the Earl of Kilkenny devised unto John Shirley of Croan gent
the town and lands of Garrynaman, Barony of Kells containing
210 acres...during the term of the natural lives of John Shirley
2nd son of the sd John Shirley, the lesee, Henry Hayden oldest
son of Wm Hayden jr of Rock Hall and John Naddy the son of Leonard
naddy of Garrynaman....right title and interest of sd John
Shirley under sd indenture rested in the sd Thomas Shirley,
party thereto...that the sd John Shirley and Henry Hayden
two of the lives named in the original lease died ....nominate
the lives of Thomas Butler 5th son of the Hnble Pierce Butler
of Balyconre and William Shirley 5th son of the said Thomas Shirley
in place of sd John Shirley and Henry Hayden dec'd. Wit:
John Kavanaugh, Patrick Cody. Reg 12 Nov 1834.

1839 Jun 1 - Registry of Deeds
Vol
12 No 121 - Marriage Arts (contract) - Between James Walsh
of the City of Kilkenny merchant of 1st part, Thomas Shirley
of Garrynaman of co Kilkenny gent of 2nd part, Jane Shirley spinster
daughter of sd Thomas Shirley of 3rd part and John Shirley of
the City of Kilkenny shop keeper and Jeremiah Kelly of Tullaroan
gent (trustees for the purposes therein) of the 4th part. Marriage
intended to be sd James Walsh and Jane Shirley with whom
he was to receive L500 as a portion from sd Thos Shirley, Walsh
to make provision for sd Jane in case of his death etc. It was
thereby declared that...levy a sum of L600 [if death, insolvency
etc, then interest to be paid to Jane Shirley for her natural
life, other covenants] Wit: Peter Shorthall of City of Kilkenny
apothecary and James Shirly of [blank]. Registered 17
June 1839

I transcribed
and posted the following 2 Irish Regional Court wills to the
Kilkenny page in the members' section

Kilkenny Ireland

1887 October 6 Will
of James Shirley of Garrynaman, Kilkenny coroner - I will
bequeath and devise all my property of every description to my
wife Eliza Shirley and I appoint as my executors to this
my last will Patirck Mullins of Kells and Henry Shirley of
Owning <seal> James Shirley

1892 April 23 Will
of John Shirley of Coolcullen farmer - I appoint John
Shirley my son and Thomas Shirley my son to be my executors and
I direct that all my just debts and funeral and tetamentary expenses
shall be paid as soon as possible after my decease. I hereby
give and bequeath unto my son Frank Shirley all my farm at
Coolcullen together will all houses cattle and goods of whatsoever
kind I am possessed and I also bequeath and give unto the same
said Frank Shirley all those lands in Coone at present in my
possession under fee simple with this provision that if
my said Frank Shirley leave behins no real issue to inherit the
lands of Coone, those heretofore said lands shall upon the decease
of my son Frank Shirley become the inheritance of Paul the son
of my son Robert Shirley or failing him to the next male heir
of the said Robert Shirley <seal> John Shirley. Wit:
Benjamin Senior clk, Robert Shirley

1851 November 25 Register
of Deeds Vol 24 No. 111 - James Shirley to John Shirley In
the Court of Queens Bench: John Smithwick of the City of Kilkenny
grocer, plaintiff vs Paul Shirley of Croan in the co of Kilkenny
gent, defendant - John Shirley of Stoneyford in the co of
Kilkenny gent aged 40 years and upward assignee of the plaintiff
in this cause maketh oath and saith that John Smithwick in
the City of Kilkenny grocer did on the second day of March in
the year of 1813 and in or as of Hilary Term in the sd year obtain
a judgement in this then Majesty Court of Kings Bench in Ireland
against the Defendant in this cause by the name and description
of Paul Shirley of Croan in the Co of Kilkenny gent for the sum
of L255. 6 shillings of the then Irish currency stg. beside
2 pounds 9 shillings of the like currency for costs as by the
Record of sd court may fully appear and deponant further saith
that by deed bearing date the 23 January 1840 the said John Smithwick
duly assigned transferred and made over the said judgement
debt and damages as foresaid to Paul Shirley of Garrynaman in
the co of Kilkenny as by a Memorial of an assignment thereof
remaining of Record in this Honable Court of the term of Trinity
in the year 1840 may appear deponent further saith that
by further deed bearing date the 4 May 1840 the said Paul
Shirley duly assigned transferred and made over the said judgement
debt and damages as aforesaid unto the said Deponent as by the
Memorial of an assignment thereof remaining of Record in this
Honble Court of Easter Term 1850 may appear this deponent
further saith that to the best of his knowledge information and
belief that the said defendant in this suit Paul Shirley was
at the time of the entering the said judgement and James Shirley
of Garryneman in the co of Kilkenny gent now is at the time of
swearing this affidavit seized or possessed of or has disposing
powers which he may without the assent of any other person
exercise for his own benefit over certain lands tenements hereditaments
and premises herein after mentioned that is to say the town
and lands of Bellmount in the Parish of Mothel Barony of Fassadine
and co of Kilkenny aforesaid defendant further saith that
the sum of L237 18 shillings and 10 pence British currency
so secured by the sd judgement as aforesaid still remains justly
done and owing to this deponent over and above all just [
] allowanes and [ ] said judgement is still in full force vigor
virtue and effect in Law John Shirley sworn before me at the
Queen's Bench office at the Court of Queens Bench Inns Quay Dublin
this 17th day of November 1857. etc. [9 sheets]

October 2, 2018

RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH
- IRELAND - While researching
mid-1800s Irish deeds, I came across the following marriage
settlement agreement. This document confirms the name of
the father of John
Shirley of Coolcullen, Mothel Parish co. Kilkenny and connects
this branch to a family tree already posted. Documents also provide
a hint as to the how the lands of Bellmount descended through
the Shirley family of Knockabranna Old Leithlen Parish co Carlow

Kilkenny Ireland

1841 May 10 - Deed
Registry; Book 10 No: 99 - To the register appointed by Act
of Parliament for Registering deeds leases and so forth - A memorial
of an indented deed of marriage settlement bearing date the thirty
first day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty and
made between Paul Shirley of Clowe Water in the county of
Carlow farmer of the first part Robert Jackson of Coolcullen
in the Co of Kilkenny farmer of the second part John Shirley
of Coolcullen in the co of Kilkenny farmer eldest son of said
Paul Shirley aforesaid of the third part Jane Jackson daughter
of the said Robert Jackson of the fourth part and Robert Jackson
junior and Francis Shirley farmers both of Coolcullen trustees
for the purposes therein mentioned of the firth part Reciting
that by Lease dated the second of April one thousand seven
hundrd and Sixty six John Shirley for the [?cousons] therein
mentioned demised to Thomas Shirley the lands of Belmount contaning
one hundred and fifty acres then in the possession of Thomas
Shirley situate in the Barony of Fassadineen and co of Kilkenny
To hold for the lives therein mentioned with a covenant for peerpetual
renewal at the yearly rent therein mentioned and reciting that
a renewal of this lease was made to John Shirley trustee for
and on behalf of his nephews Thomas Shirley and John Shirley
and reciting a partition of said lands between said Thomas and
John Shirley and Reciting that John Shirley demised
to Edmund Butler thirteen acres two roods and twenty two perches
of said lands of Belmount aforesaid and also another tract of
said lands called the Big Meadow and Brownfield containing eight
acres one rood and eleven perches To Hold for the years and life
therein mentioned at the rent therein mentioned the title
to said lands being now legally vested in the said Paul Shirley
party thereto and Reciting that the said Paul Shirley also held
part of the lands of Coolcullen containing thirty forur acres
as tenant under Lord Viscount Frankford de Mountmoracy at the
yearly rent and rent charge of sixteen shillings and 3/4 per
acre and also held another part of the said lands of Coolcullen
called the Glebe Lands containing six acres as yearly tenant
to the Revd John Robinson at the yearly of one pound five shillings
per acre and also of a quantity of stock and setforth in a schedule
to said deed annexed and Reciting that a Marriage took
place between said John Shirley and Jane Jackson that it was
agreed on the treaty of same that all the lands of Bellmount
which the said Paul Shirley was in possession of and was legally
or equitably entitled to should upon the demise of said Paul
Shirley become the absolute property of the said John Shriley
his said son, said Paul Shirley reserving to himself a life use
of said aforesaid lands of Belmount and that said John Shirley
was at once to enter into possession of said lands of Coolcullen
held from Lord Frankfort and the Revd Mr Robinson and have possession
of the stock before mentioned and Reciting that two hundred pounds
of the portion of said Jane Jackson should be paid to said John
Shirley and that Reciting that a settlement or provision by way
of annuity or yearly rent charge of twenty pounds yearly was
secured to sd Jane Jackson upon certin events therein mentioned
and chargeable on all said lands herein before mentioned until
her said portion of two hundred pounds was paid off and discharged
which deed contained a covenant for further assurance on the
part of said Paul Shirley to said John Shirley to more effectually
asssure said lands and stock and on the part of said John Shirley
to the trustees and othe rclauses and covenants and which deed
and this Memorial thereof are respectively witnessed by Michael
Stedmond and Patt Comerford both of Coolcullen in the co of Kilkenny
farmers - Paul Shirley <seal> Robert Jackson <seal>
John Shirley <seal> Jane Jackson <seal> Robert
Jackson <seal> [statement by witnesses attesting to signatures]
Sworn before me in the City of kilkenny this 26th day of April
1841....[thirteen sheets]\

More documents
from the Deeds Registry in Dublin posted to the Kilkenny
Ireland page in the members' section

Kilkenny

1858 May 27 - Deed
Registry Vol 16 No 163 John Shirley to John Shirley and Paul
Shirley - A Memorial of an indenture of fee farm grant bering
date the ninth March one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight
(1858) between John Shirley of Ennisnag near Stoneyford in
the Co of Kilkenny gentleman of the one part and John Shirley
and Paul Shirley both of Coolcullen in the said co of Kilkenny
farmers of the other part after Reciting as therein said
Indenture witnessed that in pursuance of the covenant for perpetual
renewal therein mentioned and of the therein recited act of parliament
and for the consideration therein mentioned the said John
Shirley did with the consent and approbation of the said Paul
Shirley testified as therein release and confirm unto the said
John Shirley his heirs and assigns all that and those that part
of the town and lands of Bellmount containing by common estimation
twenty eight acres three roods and twenty perches Irish plantation
measure or thereabouts be the same more or less situate lying
and bearing in the barony of Fassadineen and co of Kilkenny said
twenty eight acres three roods and twenty perches being parcel
of that part of said lands of Bellmount demised by the therein
recited original lease of second April one thousand seven hundred
and sixty six (1766) as now in the possession of said Paul Shirley
or his undertenants serving and reserving thereout as therein
as excepted and reserved to hold the said premises with their
appertenances (except as before excepted) unto the said John
Shirley his heirs and assigns in fee farm for ever Subject
to the payment of the yearly fee from rent or sum of fifteen
pounds four shillings sterling payable on every first day of
May and first day of November in each year over and above which
said deed contains contained other clauses and covenants and
ast to the execution thereof by the said John Shirley, John Shirley
and Paul Shirley is also this Memorial are respectively witnessed
by Henry Flood of Rutland Square and John Pierse Hartford of
Henrietta Street both in the City of Dublin solicitors - John
Shirley <seal> Paul Shirley <seal> Jno Shirley <seal>
[oath of witnesses] registered on Thursday 27 May 1858

1858 May 27 - Deed
Registry Vol 16 No 164 John Shirley to Annesley Shirley -
A Memorial of an indenture of fee farm grant bering date the
ninth March one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight (1858)
between John Shirley of Ennisnag near Stoneyford in the Co
of Kilkenny gentleman of the one part and Annesley Shirley of
Knockbranner in teh co of Carlow farmer of the other part [same
as No 163] .... assigns all that and those that part of the
town and lands of Bellmount containing by common estimation forty
four acres two roods and twenty perches Irish plantation measure
or thereabouts be the same more or less situate lying and bearing
in the barony of Fassadineen and co of Kilkenny [same as
No 163] ....registered on Thursday 27 May 1858

1858 May 27 - Deed
Registry Vol 16 No 165 John Shirley to James Shirley - A
Memorial of an indenture of fee farm grant bering date the ninth
March one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight (1858) between
John Shirley of Ennisnag near Stoneyford in the Co of Kilkenny
gentleman of the one part and James Shirley of Garnarnan in the
co of Kilkenny farmer of the other part [same as No 163]
.... assigns all that and those that part of the town and lands
of Bellmount containing by common estimation twenty eight acres
three roods and twenty perches Irish plantation measure or thereabouts
be the same more or less situate lying and bearing in the barony
of Fassadineen and co of Kilkenny [same as No 163] ....registered
on Thursday 27 May 1858

September 30, 2018

NEW GERMAN
SHIRLEY LINEAGE I created
and posted the following Shirley family lineage to the Germany
section of the non-members' website

Germany

5. Christian
Shirley born 4 October 1835 in Oldenburg or Wuerttembeg Germany.
He immigrated to the USA in the 1850s and was enumerated in Warren
Co Ohio and died in 1909 in Butler Co Ohio

August 5, 2018

I posted the
following Irish deed documents to the Londonderry
NI page in the members' section

Londonderry

1734 - Deeds
Registry Vol 82 page 193 James Cunningham of Agivey set to
James Shirla of Ree. yeoman, one third of the townland
of Ree except the bleaching greens for 31 years at a yearly
rent of 6 pounds.

1737 Deeds
Registry Vol 92 page 289 (page
290) James Sherla of Ree, obtained 5 acres, the bleach
yard on part of Ree, and part of Drumstaples 25 acres late
in the possession of James Gould, for 29 years at 9 pound rent.
Shirla had been engaged in the linen business as early as 1722.

1737 Deeds
Registry Vol 93 page 26 James Conningham merchant of London
to James Sherla of Ree Londonderry, linen draper, lease
land in Scalty adjoining the bridge of Milltown, 5 acres.
also one half or moiety of the Foubor Moulter of Gowd's Mill
Fog with the drying kill thereto being in the manor of Lizard,
county Londonderry. Lease for 29 years.

August 4, 2018

I posted the
following original Irish probate document to the County
Tipperary page in the members' section

I posted the
following original Irish deed and marriage documents to the County Kilkenny page
in the members' section

May 9 1761 Vol
217 pg145. Indenture of lease between Rev Arthur Webb of
Wobbsburrow Kilkenny clerk and Arthur Webb esq his eldest son
of one part and of John Shirly of Croan Kilkenny farmer
of other part. Let the town and lands of Belmount 398 acres lately
held by John Waring gent in Barony of Tasaghdining Kilkenny Wit:
Bibby Hartford city of Kilkenny gent. Edmond Kemech of Danganmore
Kilkenny farmer. Registered 18 jun 1762.- Registry of Deeds
Dublin

May 18 1764 Vol
228 pg 290. Deed of lease and release [same as 9 May 1761
above]. Registered 21 May 1764 [" in 1764, the
Tracys of no special import of Belmont leased Belmount lands
aka Coonfile from Webb "]- Registry of Deeds Dublin

Dec 1 1794 Vol
489 page 544 - Between Paul Shirley of Ballinkee Co Kilk.
Farmer [sp?Ballintee is next to Croan] in whom all
of the right and title of John Shirley his father late of
Koan in Co Kilk. Farmer dec'd the lesser in the original
lease came to and vested off of the one part, and John Shirley
of Bellmount Killkenny farmer, Brother and administrator with
the Will of Paul Shirley late of Bellmaine aforesaid farmer
and trustee in deed of renewal for Thomas Shirley and John
Shirley two elder sons of said Paul Shirley dec'd and devises
in his said Will named minors under age of 21 in whom all
the title and interest of their grandfather Thomas Shirley
late of Bellmount said original lease of the other part.
Said John Shirley the lessor in said original lease and said
Pail Shirley father of said Thomas and John Shirley and that
John Shirley in trust for his nephews said Thomas and John according
to the tenor of said lease. [mentions George Reade, Redmond
Reade the 2nd and 3rd sons of George Reade of Piltown Co Kilkenny]
Wit: James Rae, Robert Carter. Reg Feb 12 1795 - Registry
of Deeds Dublin

Dec 7 1799. Vol
522 page 438 (page
440) John Shirley of Croan Kilkenny Esq. And Naomi
Reade spinster, elder daughter of Henry Reade of town of Wexford
esq of 2nd part and Henry Reade aforesaid of 3rd part. and Francis
Harvey Viscount Mountnorris (?) and John Nugent of Monestown
Esq the 4th part. the marriage of said Hanry Reade with francis
Monroe otherwise Reade wife of said Henry [produce children]
payment to John Shirley L750 [ ] over 4 years from date of intended
marriage Marriage Agreement. 18 Dec 1799 Lands of Sheepstown,
Garrynaman and Croan to be conveyed by John Shirley. - Registry
of Deeds Dublin

May 11 1805 Vol
576 pg 196. Indenture of lease between John Sherley of
Knockabranagh Co Carlow farmer of 1st part and Edmund Butler
of Coonfile Kilkenny farmer of other partconveyed lands of Bellmount
13 acres, 2 roads and 32 perches to Edmund Butler in possession
of James Butler of Coonfile farmer dec'd and part of Bellmount
in possession of John Bradley farmer known as Big Meadow Browfield
containing 8 ac in Barony of Tasidinen Kilkenny for 42 years
for lives of James Butler eldest son of Edmunt Butler the lessor.
Wit: Edward Low of Leighlin Bridge Carlow gent and James Sherley
of Belmount Kilkenny farmer. Sworn 30 Sept 1805. - Registry
of Deeds Dublin

Apr 9 1807 Vol
588 pg 279 (page
281) Deed of release between John Shirley of Croan Kilkenny
esq of 1st part, Naomi Shirley otherwise Reade wife of sd John
Shirley of 2nd part, John Davis of Summerhill Kilkenny esq
and Edw Hant of Jerpoint of 3rd part and Henry Loftus Reade of
Rosslare Wexeford esq of 4th part [Many disputes between John
and Naomi Shirley and she had instituted a suit in Consistorial
Court of Ossory Diocese against sd John Shirley for divorce
and alimony] 2 bills in the high court of chancery in Ireland
to pay alimony decreed by Consistorial Court 23 July last had
agreed to live separate lives and any disputes be referred to
barristers. Lands of Ballynacooley 107 acres in occupation of
Patrick Reilley, John Reilley et al,; Lands of Clopregg known
as Bishopes Hills in Barony of Gowan in Kikenny; town lands of
Kilmanogue 310 acres Kilkinney; town lands of Sheepstown called
Ballinvadory Garealeagh 140 acres. John Shirley to have Ballynacooley
.Sworn 7 Apr 1807. - Registry of Deeds Dublin

6 Oct 1836 - The
last will and testament of John Shirley Knockabrannar in parish
of Old Leighlin drawn up at my own request Oct the 6th
1836. I John Shirley being in perfect possession of all
y faculties and now wishing to make a final settlement of all
my earthly affairs do of my own free will and choice make the
following divisions of all my property and wish that same should
remain unchanged and binding on all concerned, I John Shirley
do will and bequeath to my wife Deborah Shirley and my son
Abraham Shirley farm which I now hold in Knockabrannar together
with all my stock in cattle and all other property that may be
thereon at my death to be equally possessed and held by same
Deborah Shirley my wife and same Abraham Shiley my son,
I further will that if my wife Deborah Shirley should
at any further time wish to separate or live distinct from same
Abraham Shirley my son, that she Deborah Shirley
be entitled to hald of whatever stock and of all other property
wihtin and without, which at time of separation may exist. And
also I will that she Deborah Shirley shall at such separation
be intitled to half of my present farm in Knockabrannar. I further
will that after the death of my wife Deborah Shirley that
all the stock and other property then existing together with
the whole of my farm be the sole property and possession of my
son Abraham Shirley, I further will wthat my wife Deborah
Shirley and my son Abraham Shirley pay conjointly the annual
of four pounds to Catherine Shirley widow of my son Thomas
Shirley, and that same sum of four pounds be paid to same
Catherine Shirley during the eixstance of the present
lease, I further will that my son Ansley Shirley and Catherine
Shirley widow of my son Thomas Shriley should hold undisturbed
their present farms in the same manner as they now hold and possess
them, I further will and bequeath to my son Abraham Shirley
the profit rent now arising fro Kilfoyle's farm in Coon,
being eight pounds ten shillings annually to be possessed by
same Abraham Shirley during the continuance of same forever.
I further will that Paul Shirley my son the present occupier
of same farm in Coon is not to be disturbed from its possession
by my son Abraham Shirley or any person representing him
provided the annual interest of eight pounds ten shillings be
paid regularly to same Abraham Shriely or his representation,
I further will and bequeath to my son John Shirley of Brackin
the whole interest in and arrising from my farm near Mount Melick
known by the name of Bog Farm, I further will and bequeather
to John Shirley son of Ansley Shirley the sum of twenty pounds
to be paid by my son John Shirley out of the Bog Farm
in four different and equal payments, six months intervening
between each payment, I further will and bequeath to my son
Ansley Shirley all the interest arrising from the Gowrawn
Farm in Coon also known by the name of John Bradley's farm. I
further will that when the interest of my son John Shirley
shall cease in the Bog Farm the life thereof having fallen, that
same John Shirley shall have equal share with my son
Ansley Shirley in the interest arising fro the Gowrawn Alias
Bradley farm in Coon, this only to commence its interest when
interest in the Bog Farm ceases, I further will and bequeath
to my daughter Margaret wife of James Butler the sum of
ten pounds to be paid same Margaret by my son Ansley
Shirley at the experation fo one year from the day of my
death, I further willa nd bequeath to my son James Shirley
of Ridge the annual interest arising from the holdings from
the holdings of Hartin Kealey, John Tales, Michael Conners and
Patrick Walshe, to be possessed and enjoyed by same James
Shirley as long as same interest continues, I further will
that if my son Abraham Shirley now unmarried should take
as wife a person who is a member of the Church of Rome that no
part of the property herein by me bequeathed to him shall be
his, that such an act shall disentitle him to the possession
of any part of my property and the property thus forfeited be
equally divided, between my sons Paul Shirley. I John
Shirley being in possession of all my faculties and understanding
unimparied and directing every and all distributions of property
as herin expressed I sign this as my last will and testament.
Oct 6 1836 <s> John X Shirley [his mark]. Wit present:
Mirtin Kealy, Thos. Morak, Robert Baker [on leaf: 'Dated
6th October 1836; A copy of; John Shirleys will; eldest son of;
Thomas Shirley; Lease in the lase; of 1766']

In the name of God Amen. I John
Shirley of Burnchurch being of sound mind memory and understanding
blessed be God for it do hereby make this my last will and testament
in manner and form following that is to say First leave and bequeath
my soul to God and my body to be interred in my family burying
place in Burnchurch at the discreation of my family and my Executors
hereafter named - Secondly I leave to my son Richard all
my right title and interest in my part of the lands of Bellmount
forever. Subject to the following legacies and bequests. My son
Richard is to pay my daughter Eliza ten pounds a year for
ten years after my decease. But the first four years is to be
kept by Richard and at the expiration of four years after my
decease to pay Eliza the sum of forty pounds together and ten
pound a year for six years after. And my son Richard is also
to pay unto my grandaughter Maria Dow in fourteen years after
my decease the sum of twenty pounds ster. and also to my granddaughter
Agness Shirley the sum of twenty pounds ster. in seventeen
years after my decease. Thirdly I leave and bequeath to my son
Henry Shirley all my right title and interest in my farm
in Burnchurch together will all my personal property. I mean
all my stock of cattle, cows houses corn hay potatoes money and
so forth. But Richard is to have his bed and bedding. But my
son Henry is to pay and be subject ot the following legacies.
He is to pay my daughter Maria one hundred pounds ster.
in twelve months after my decease out of my property bequeathed
him and also to pay my daughter Johanna one hundred pounds
ster. in two years after my decease out of my property bequeathed
him. And in order to enable Henry to pay my daughters Maria and
Johanna the sums bequeathed them I will and bequeath my son
Henry all my interest in part of the lands and houses in Kilbline
[Tullaherin Civil Parish] being six pounds ten shillings
by the year during the life of Philip Hayden and his wife Catherine
and it is my further will and desire that my children herein
named shall live together at Burnchurch as usual and assist each
other until they get married, or otherwise find it their
mutual interest to separate. And lastly I nominate constitute
and appoint my brother Thomas Shirley and Thomas Way Bayley
to be my executors to this my last will and testament in witness
- where of I have put my name and seal this 27th day of December
1844 ----------John Shirley ----------- seal.

Signed sealed published and declared
by the said John Shirley as and for his last will and testament
in our presence who at his desire and in his presence and in
the presence of each other have this day subscribed our names.
Thomas Shirley Charles Idllis.